Additional Resources For Those Affected
Please visit CA.Gov/LAFires for information on ways to sign up for FEMA and SBA assistance, help seeking unemployment assistance, filing insurance claims, and other wildfire related resources.
You can also find direct links below:
Housing Resources
The County of Los Angeles Emergency Map is providing a comprehensive list of available shelters.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Program is a clearinghouse of information and federal financial support for impacted individuals and businesses.
Note, if you previously applied for FEMA assistance and have insurance, you may have received a “not approved” message. Federal officials are saying that this was an error.
Note, if insurance does not fully cover all costs (under-insured), you are still eligible for FEMA assistance.
FEMA Individual Assistance – For Housing is currently providing grants of up to $43,600 for dwelling repair, replacement, and temporary housing.
The California State Supplemental Grant Program provides additional grants of up to $10,000 for rental expenses, housing repairs and replacement, personal property replacement, as well as medical expenses.
Note, if you qualify for the full $43,600 in FEMA housing aid, you will likely qualify for an additional $10,000 in aid.
The Red Cross is assisting with evacuations and operating shelters across the region.
Assistance with your Mortgage
Fannie Mae is providing housing counselors who can help with questions at: 1 (855) 437-3243.
Note, members should continue paying mortgage payments but may be eligible for additional options such as a forbearance (a pause on payments for up to 12 months). Contact your individual lender for additional information.
Assistance with Property Taxes
The Los Angeles County Assessor allows taxpayers to file a “Misfortune and Calamity” claim for property tax relief, this can also be done by calling 1 (213) 974-8658.
Assistance with Homeowners Insurance
Unfortunately, in a time of tragedy, there are scammers who will try to exploit any situation. The State Insurance Department has assembled this helpful guide to make sure you are not the victim of an insurance scam.
State Senator Ben Allen and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara are hosting free, confidential insurance workshops in Santa Monica on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday January 19 to address insurance-related questions.
Please call 1 (800) 927-4357 to schedule an appointment.
The California Department of Insurance is providing support for impacted homeowners. Please call 1 (800) 927-4357.
Note, members should retain all relevant receipts for purchases that may be eligible for reimbursement through insurance.
The Insurance Department has also published this guide for helping homeowners understand their rights, and how to file claims.
Direct Financial Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance – Special Needs Assistance Grants are a one-time $770 payment to help cover immediate needs like food, water, hygiene, and transportation.
FEMA Individual Assistance – For Other Needs can provide additional grants of up to $43,600 for additional expenses such as transportation and medical expenses.
The Directors Guild Foundation is offering assistance to members by calling (310) 289-2037 or emailing foundation@dga.org.
The MPTF and Entertainment Community Foundation are offering immediate and longer-term assistance.
Assistance with Pets
The City of Los Angeles has established a dedicated hotline for those in need of help retrieving pets inside the evacuation areas.
Call 213-270-8155 and provide information about your pet, its possible location, and its needs.
LA Animal Services and LAPD will then notify you once they have visited the property.
Assistance with US Mail
The USPS allows you to forward mail to a new address or P.O. Box.
Unemployment Assistance
The Employment Development Department can help if you are out of work due to the fires.
Assistance with Document Replacement
The California Department of Public Health can provide replacements of important documents like birth and death certificates.
The California DMV can help replace lost or damaged driver's licenses in person at a DMV office or by calling 1 (800) 777-0133.
Watch Duty App
Watch Duty is an app that provides wildfire mapping and alerts with real-time information vetted by their staff. The application is operated by a non-profit organization. The group is not affiliated with the Ventura County Fire Department.
Visit Watch Duty – Wildfire Maps & Alerts to download.
Federal
Biden-Harris Administration Supporting Robust Response Efforts to California Wildfires
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted for the Palisades Fire
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Information on grants, loans, and recovery services.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS, IMMEDIATE SUPPORT, & HOUSING
211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire.
Red Cross Los Angeles: Find a Shelter
The local hotel association is maintaining a list of hotels in and around L.A. with available space, including whether and what kind of discounts they're offering to fire victims and evacuees
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren't affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support. They have also teamed up with L.A. Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen. Register on their website.
Planet Fitness locations in L.A. are offering anyone affected by the fires, including first responders, free access to their facilities, including showers, massage chairs, locker rooms, and WiFi. Contact the club near you for more information and hours.
Mariners Village Apartment Homes (Marina del Rey) is offering temporary housing for those affected. For more details or to inquire about availability, please contact at (310) 821-4916.
Alisal Ranch in Solvang is offering discounted rates to locals affected by mandatory evacuation orders. Household pets are also welcome. Those in need can call the front desk to make a reservation at 800-425-4725. Coachella Valley Hotels: Several properties in the Coachella Valley area are offering discounted rates to fire evacuees, including Infusion Beach Club in Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage and Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert.
Santa Monica Hotels: Among the Santa Monica hotels offering special rates for evacuated area residents are Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Gateway Hotel, Hilton Santa Monica, The Pierside Santa Monica, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Sandbourne Santa Monica, Shore Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, Viceroy Santa Monica and more. https://www.alisalranch.com/ (Note: As conditions surrounding the Palisades Fire evolve, some areas of Santa Monica may be included in evacuation orders. It's recommended to check the latest evacuation notices before booking hotels in this area.)
Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District is offering to open its tap room during the day for those who need a place to be and/or WiFi, email or DM on Instagram. They are also accepting donations.
Odyssey Games in Pasadena is offering their shop to evacuees to charge cell phones, use the restroom, and grab a snack.
Octavia's Bookshelf has mounted a "mutual aid pitstop" with food and supplies.
Baby2Baby: Distributes essential items like diapers, clothing, and basic necessities to children affected by the wildfires
Transportation
Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to shelters and evacuation sites:
Lyft: Two free rides up to $25 each. Use code: CAFIRERELIEF25.
Uber: Two free rides up to $40 each. Use code: WILDFIRE25.
Metro: Metro fares are free all day today.
Communication